Keeping the environment clean is essential not only for our health but also our planet’s health. We can take many simple steps to reduce waste and pollution and help keep the environment clean. Here are ten ways to do so:
- Avoid plastic water bottles: Did you know plastic water bottles are one of the most significant sources of pollution? Only in the UK, we use over 7.7 billion plastic water bottles yearly, with the average person using 150 plastic water bottles. Many are discarded and end up polluting our rivers and seas. Staggeringly if just 1 in 10 Brits used metal water bottles once a week to refill, we’d save around 340 million plastic bottles a year.
- Bring your own bag: Bringing your own reusable bags when shopping can help reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment and prevent plastic bags from ending up in landfills or through fly-tipping. Fly-tipping, the illegal dumping of waste, is a major problem in the UK with fly-tipped waste often containing a significant amount of plastic bags (check out these fly tipping statistics in the UK for more information). Using reusable bags reduces the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills or pollute the environment. Plus, there is a big chance of avoiding awkward bag-tearing and the apple-running situation in the middle of the street.
- Shop products without plastic packaging: Choosing products without plastic packaging can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated. This can include buying loose produce, bringing your own containers for bulk items, and choosing products packaged in paper or glass.
- Use public transport: Public transportation can help reduce carbon emissions, decrease the number of cars on the road and get that steps in for the day. Taking the bus, train, or tube can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality and your physique. It’s a win-win situation!
- Find an alternative to gift wrap: We all know that feeling when our kith and kin redesign our carefully styled and decorated dining room into a dump on Christmas morning. Using recycled or reusable materials such as fabric, newspapers, or gift boxes can help reduce waste and give you the space to be creative and personal. The simplest way is just to reuse the last year’s Christmas wraps. Just be careful about the name on the name tag!
- Stop using plastic straws: Opt for glass and stainless straws instead: Plastic straws are another significant source of pollution, and they can take hundreds of years to decompose. Opting for glass or stainless steel straws can help reduce plastic waste.
- Use food containers: Keeping leftovers from dinner saves us time and lunch money the next day. Using reusable containers made of glass or metal can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated from food storage and food waste in general.
- Avoid chewing gum: Nobody like stained sidewalks. And that’s not the only reason why to stay away. Many types of chewing gum contain plastic, meaning decomposing can take hundreds of years. Choosing alternatives made from natural ingredients or avoiding chewing gum altogether can help reduce waste.
- Shop second-hand: Shopping second-hand can help reduce waste and save money. Finding second-hand stores or online marketplaces where you can find clothes, furniture, and other good-quality items can help reduce waste. On the other hand, selling your clothes can keep your wallet fuller and your wardrobe neater.
- Upcycle: Upcycling means finding new uses for old items and giving them a new lease on life. Instead of throwing away items that are no longer needed, consider upcycling them. For example, You can turn an old T-shirt into a cleaning cloth or a pillowcase!
In conclusion, making small changes in our daily lives can have a significant impact on the health of our planet. By following these ten tips, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Let’s remember that preserving our environment is not just a responsibility, but a necessity. So, let’s take action now and do our part in creating a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous world for ourselves and future generations.
